GUIDANCE FOR IMI AWARDS’ LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATES & DIPLOMAS (VRQs) IMIAL Level 1 Certificate in Light Vehicle Maintenance (QCF) QFQUAL I.D: 600/2769/1 IMIAL Level 1 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance (QCF) QFQUAL I.D: 600/2806/3 IMIAL Level 1 Certificate in Motorcycle Maintenance (QCF) QFQUAL I.D: 600/2587/6 IMIAL Level 1 Diploma in Motorcycle Maintenance (QCF) QFQUAL I.D: 600/2662/5 IMIAL Level 1 Certificate in Automotive Refinishing (QCF) QFQUAL I.D: 600/2585/2 IMIAL Level 1 Diploma in Automotive Refinishing (QCF) QFQUAL I.D: 600/2584/0 IMIAL Level 1 Certificate in Automotive Body Repair (QCF) QFQUAL I.D: 600/2588/8 IMIAL Level 1 Diploma in Automotive Body Repair (QCF) QFQUAL I.D: 600/2583/9 IMIAL Level 1 Certificate in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance (QCF) *New July 2012 QFQUAL I.D: 600/5950/3 IMIAL Level 1 Diploma in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance (QCF) *New July 2012 QFQUAL I.D: 600/5951/5 VERSION 3 This guidance should be read in conjunction with each qualification’s: • Assessment Criteria document • Assessments 0109-11 / Version 2
Level 1 Qualifications
CENTRE INFORMATION Please be aware that any legislation referred to in these qualifications may be subject to amendment/s during the life of the qualifications. Therefore IMI Awards’ Approved Centres must ensure they are aware of and comply with any amendments, e.g. to health and safety legislation and employment practices. Please be aware that vehicle technologies referred to in these qualifications reflect current practice, but may be subject to amendment/s, updates and replacements during the life of the qualifications. Therefore IMI Awards’ Approved Centres must ensure they are aware of the latest developments and emerging technologies to ensure the currency of the qualifications. Please note: the relevance of the information contained in the unit content will vary depending upon the vehicle types being worked upon. The unit content is for guidance only and is not meant to be prescriptive.
© 2012 IMI Awards All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of IMI Awards. Requests should be made in writing and addressed to: IMI Awards, Fanshaws, Brickendon, Hertford SG13 8PQ
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IMI AWARDS’ LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMAS (QCF) CONTENTS
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Introduction Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) Level 1 Vocationally Related Qualifications Units IMI Awards’ Level 1 Certificates and Diplomas (QCF)
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IMI Awards’ VRQ Assessment Criteria Document Assessment Methodology Overview A. IMI Awards Combination Assessments B. IMI Awards’ Set Online Assessments C. IMI Awards’ Set Practical Assessments D. IMI Awards’ Set Written Assessments
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Additional Information Assessors and Verifiers Learner Entry Requirements Learner Induction IMI Awards’ Administration
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INTRODUCTION TO IMI AWARDS’ LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMAS (VRQS) (QCF) IMI Awards is accredited and approved to offer these Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQs) (QCF) by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual). These qualifications are primarily designed to engage and motivate 14-19 year olds who are interested in learning about the maintenance of motor vehicles and the various roles that are available in the retail motor industry. The qualifications’ combination of units provides learners with the flexibility of choice. The qualifications have a predominately practical approach to assessment, and include many visual questioning techniques, which will stimulate and interest the learner. Certificate This Certificate is ideal for those learners who wish to undertake a qualification which will support their progress into the retail motor vehicle industry and to a Level 2 Vocationally Related Qualification (VRQ). It can also supplement their progress to GCSEs and other appropriate destinations, such as apprenticeships and employment. Diploma This Diploma is ideal for learners who enjoy the sector and wish to develop experience in a variety of motor industry sectors, at a level suiting their ability. Once a learner has achieved the Diploma, it will support their progress to a Level 2 Vocationally Related Qualification (VRQ). It can also supplement their progress to GCSEs and other appropriate destinations, such as apprenticeships and employment.
QUALIFICATION AND CREDIT FRAMEWORK (QCF) The QCF is the framework for creating and accrediting qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The QCF allows achievements to be recognised and recorded through the award of credits and qualifications. It supports the accumulation and transfer of credits and the easy identification of each achievement’s level and size. In this way, learners have maximum flexibility, range of opportunities and can be reliably recognised for their achievements. Units are the building blocks of all QCF qualifications. Each unit has a credit value and level. One credit represents ten notional hours of learning, showing how much time the average learner would take to complete the unit or qualification. Levels indicate difficulty and vary from entry (1) to level 8. There are three types of qualification: • Awards (1 to 12 credits) • Certificates (13 to 36 credits) • Diplomas (37 credits or more) You can have an Award of any difficulty level from 1 to 8. This is because the type indicates the size of qualification, not its difficulty. The title of a qualification should indicate its difficulty, how long it will take the average learner to complete, and its general content, using the following information: • Qualification level (from lowest, entry level to level 8 at the top) • Qualification size (award/certificate/diploma) • Content of the qualification For further information, email qcf@ofqual.gov.uk or visit the website: www.ofqual.gov.uk.
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LEVEL 1 VOCATIONALLY RELATED QUALIFICATIONS UNITS These IMI Awards’ Level 1 Certificates and Diplomas (VRQs) each have a comprehensive structure. Each qualification is made up of units that cover specified topics. These units fall into two categories, mandatory and optional. Mandatory units are those which are considered to be essential for learners to achieve. Optional units have been included to provide flexibility within the qualification chosen. All Level 2 units are either knowledge (K) or skills (S) based in content. In the majority of cases, there is one knowledge (K) unit and one skills (S) unit, which cover a specific topic. These two units create a topic ‘set’ and unless specified on the qualification structure (rule of combination), the ‘set’ (knowledge and skills units) for a specific topic must be achieved. Please note: A minimum number of credits are required to be achieved from the optional units in a VRQ. It is also the case that there is not a maximum amount of credits required for a qualification. Each unit is written in a specific way. The format includes: • unit title • level • route (Level 2 knowledge and skills units only) • credit value • guided learning hours • mapping • unit rationale • learning outcomes • assessment criteria • content requirements • evidence requirements (in the Level 2 skills (S) units only) The unit title is a concise, but explicit description of what the unit covers. The QCF has 9 levels, from entry level to level eight. These qualifications are at level 1. The route (Level 2 units only) explains if the unit is a knowledge (K) or skills (S) based unit. Each unit has a credit value. The credit value reflects the time it takes the learner, on average, to achieve the learning outcomes and assessment criteria contained in the unit. Learning time means everything the learner has to do to achieve the unit, not only guided learning hours. One credit is notionally equivalent to 10 hours of learning time, so if a unit is worth four credits, for example, then it will take the average learner approximately 40 hours to complete. The guided learning hours are an indication to assessors/tutors of how long each unit will take to deliver. (These times allow for teaching supported by practical demonstration and training.) The mapping indicates the unit’s relationship to national occupational standards. The unit rationale is a short description of what the unit covers and what the learner will achieve. The learning outcomes set out what learners are expected to know, understand and/or be able to do. The assessment criteria specify the standard learners must meet to show the learning outcome has been achieved.
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In the majority of units (not the skills (S) units) the learning outcomes are amplified by a list of content, which seek to ensure that the required breadth of knowledge across the units is addressed. In the Level 2 skills units (S) only, there are evidence requirements (in terms of outcomes), which specify the amount and type of evidence which must be obtained by the learner. These evidence requirements also inform the requirements of the Level 2 skills (S) units’ practical assessments.
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IMI AWARDS’ LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMAS (QCF) Please find full qualification structures (rules of combination) and OfQual unit I.D numbers in each qualification’s assessment criteria document. Qualification Title and Route
OfQual I.D No
Credit Value
IMIAL Level 1 Certificate in Light Vehicle Maintenance
600/2769/1
28
IMIAL Level 1 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance
600/2806/3
49
IMIAL Level 1 Certificate in Motorcycle Maintenance
600/2587/6
28
IMIAL Level 1 Diploma in Motorcycle Maintenance
600/2662/5
48
IMIAL Level 1 Certificate in Automotive Refinishing
600/2585/2
24
IMIAL Level 1 Diploma in Automotive Refinishing
600/2584/0
43
IMIAL Level 1 Certificate in Automotive Body Repair
600/2588/8
25
IMIAL Level 1 Diploma in Automotive Body Repair
600/2583/9
44
IMIAL Level 1 Certificate in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance
600/5950/3
28
IMIAL Level 1 Diploma in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance
600/5951/5
49
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IMI AWARDS’ VRQ ASSESSMENT CRITERIA DOCUMENT This document is available for each VRQ. It contains the VRQ’s qualification structure table (rule of combination) which also includes each unit’s credit, G.L.H and Ofqual I.D no. Note: The IMI Awards’ unit number is the same as the unit’s online test number. The mandatory units are listed first, followed by the optional units. All units contain tables which have two columns. Column 1: The learning outcomes are listed individually in this column. Column 2: The assessment criteria are listed individually in this column. The majority of the units, not the skills (S suffix) units, contain a list of content requirements, which are the areas of knowledge learners should be aware of, across the unit’s assessment criteria. Learners will demonstrate that they can meet the majority of units’ (not the skills units) learning outcomes and assessment criteria by passing the required IMI Awards’ set knowledge online tests, combination and written assessments (for more information regarding each unit’s assessment requirements, see page 9). The skills (S suffix) units do not have content requirements, they contain evidence requirements. The evidence requirements are listed within a table which details the amount and type of evidence which must be obtained by the learners for the unit. Learners will demonstrate that they can meet the skills units’ learning outcomes and assessment criteria by passing the required IMI Awards’ set practical assessments (for more information regarding each unit’s assessment requirements, see page 9).
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ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY OVERVIEW Learners must: •
demonstrate each units’ learning outcomes by following and achieving the required assessment components.
The assessments for these qualifications combine various assessment styles/methodologies in order to suit the levels of units contained within them. The table at the front of each qualification’s Assessment Criteria document clarifies which IMI Awards’ assessments are available for each unit, and whether these assessments are mandatory (M) or optional (O) for the selected unit. Please read this table carefully to establish what assessments are required: C = Combination assessments W = Written Assessments P = Practical Assessments T = On-line tests IMI Awards’ approved centres are responsible for adopting learning and assessment strategies to help the learner throughout their VRQ. Whatever the timescales for attendance, it is essential that delivery of the VRQs is given a practical emphasis in a workshop based environment. A. IMI AWARDS’ COMBINATION ASSESSMENTS: for Level 1 (L prefix), Entry 3 (EL prefix), Motorcycle (MC prefix at Level 1), Body Repair (B prefix at Level 1). Refinishing (P prefix at Level 1), Heavy Vehicle (H prefix at Level 1), for BP2 and U2 units.
IMI Awards has created a set of assessments to be completed by learners for each of their selected units. These assessments are designed to ensure rigour and quality of assessment by measuring the learner’s underpinning knowledge. These assessments comprise of various combinations of practical and written tasks, mostly accompanied by assessor observation and oral questioning. (Please note that the Motorcycle (MC Units) and U2 Unit also have sample solutions/marking schemes supplied by IMI Awards.) Assessor feedback/observation boxes are supplied to provide assessors with an area where they can record their observations of the learner for each task. These boxes can be used flexibly, at the assessors’ discretion. All assessments must be recorded and marked by an IMI Awards’ approved assessor from the approved centre. They will form part of the centre’s internal verification (quality assurance) process. To ensure consistency of approach, the assessments will be sampled by an IMI Awards’ external verifier during their regular monitoring visits to the approved centre (see IMI Awards’ Operating Manual for monitoring procedures).
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B. IMI AWARDS ON-LINE ASSESSMENTS: for L101, L102, EL02, EP, U2, BP2 and all Level 2 knowledge (K suffix) units only All learners registered on these qualifications must successfully complete the on-line tests set by IMI Awards for units L101, L102, EL02, EP1, U2*, BP2* and Level 2 knowledge (K suffix) units, if these units are in their selected qualification. Unit Ref. L101 L102 EL02 EP1 All Level 2 K units U2* BP2 *
QCA Unit I.D No. A/600/3296 F/600/3297 A/502/4655 K/502/7731
Test No L101 L102 EL02 EP1
Duration 1 hour 1 hour 1 hour 40 mins
Pass Mark 60% 60% 60% 60%
Various
Various
1 hour
60%
H/503/3379 J/503/3357
U2 BP2
1 hour 1 hour
60% 60%
Units L101, L102 and EL02 These units’ test questions either ‘drag and drop’ or multiple-choice (with only one correct answer). Unit EP1 This unit’s test questions are multiple-choice (with only one correct answer). Level 2 Knowledge (K), U2* and BP2* units These units’ questions are either multiple-choice (with only one correct answer) or ‘True or False’. *U2 and BP2: Learners registered on or after 1st September 2012 on qualifications containing U2 and BP2 are required to complete the online tests for these units. Note: Centre devised alternatives to the IMI Awards’ online test are not permitted. Full guidance on the use of online assessment can be found in the IMI Awards’ Operating Manual. If you need any further assistance, please call IMI Awards’ Qualification Services on tel: 01992 519038.
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C. IMI AWARDS’ SET PRACTICAL ASSESSMENTS: Level 2 skills (S suffix) units. Level 2 Skills (S) Units: These assessments (tasks) are presented in the form of a ‘job card’ for all units (except the units with a G prefix). IMI Awards has created a selection of tasks (job cards) for the range of systems listed in each unit’s evidence requirements, e.g. LV02: job cards for, • engine mechanical systems } • cooling systems } 3 out of 5 of the systems to be assessed • air supply & exhaust systems } according to the unit’s evidence requirements • engine management } • and lubrication systems } • Therefore there are more tasks (job cards) available, than are required in the unit’s evidence requirements. Assessors are advised to select the tasks (job cards) which are appropriate to the approved centre’s resources and meet the Skills’ units’ evidence requirements (contained in the VRQ assessment criteria document). Every practical task has a section where the assessor records whether the learner has passed the skills (S) unit’s learning outcomes or has been referred. Level 2 Skills units with G prefix Each G unit contains a table with 4 columns. Column 1: The learning outcomes are listed individually in this column. Column 2: The assessment criteria are listed individually in this column. Column 3: Here the evidence for the assessment criteria must be recorded and referenced clearly. Column 4: The assessor will date this section when the learning outcome has been met. In most cases, the evidence in column 3 will be generated from another unit’s practical task/s. Therefore this evidence can be cross-referenced and recorded here. Assessors are advised to undertake a mapping exercise to a learner’s selected VRQ’s practical tasks to identify any gaps in evidence for the G units. It is acceptable for centre devised assessments or naturally occurring evidence to be used as evidence. (Assessors may expand the size of this column to record evidence, if required.) Centre Devised Assessment It is acceptable for an approved centre to develop their own practical assessments, in the place of the IMI Awards’ practical assessments. However the content and assessment method of the centre devised assessment must be agreed with an IMI Awards’ external verifier prior to use.
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D. IMI AWARDS’ SET WRITTEN ASSESSMENTS: Optional for Level 2 knowledge (K suffix) units only. The IMI Awards’ written assessments are optional for Level 2 knowledge (K) units. These written assessments are in addition to the online tests and ensure critical aspects of knowledge are addressed. These assessments are designed to be delivered by using, e.g.: assignments, projects or examinations, as selected by the approved centre. If required, these assessments may be broken down into small sections and delivered by subject, e.g. a chassis assessment could be separated into steering, braking and suspension. These Level 2 Knowledge units have sample solutions/marking schemes supplied by IMI Awards. Centre Devised Assessment It is acceptable for an approved centre to develop their own Level 2 knowledge assessments, in place of the IMI Awards’ written assessments. However the content and assessment method of the centre devised assessment must be agreed with an IMI Awards’ external verifier prior to use.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ASSESSORS AND VERIFIERS LEARNER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS There are no entry requirements for these Level 1 qualifications. However an individual’s interest in working in the retail automotive industry and any academic/vocational qualifications and/or experience should be taken into account. LEARNER INDUCTION Each learner must receive a face-to-face induction before commencing a VRQ. The learner must be informed of which VRQ they are registered for with IMI Awards, and be made aware of the assessment methods that will be used throughout their chosen VRQ. IMI Awards expects the approved centres to pay particular attention to the following areas during the learner’s induction: • Health and Safety • Employment Rights and Responsibilities, including codes of conduct & anti-discrimination • Customer Rights, including ethics • Industry Issues, including professional organisations, and environmental & economic concerns. All learners registered must have access to fair and proper assessment. Approved Centres must ensure that all learners have access to, • the IMI Awards’ Guidance for Candidates, which contains the IMI Awards’ Complaints and Appeals Procedure Health and Safety: Note to approved centres offering VRQs for pre-16 candidates The centre must take responsibility for the safety of the young people when delivering VRQs, particularly for learners aged 14-16. All work placements and training workshops must be risk assessed to ensure that the environment is safe and secure for 14-16 year olds prior to delivery and that due care and diligence is taken during delivery. The risk assessment must detail how risks to learners will be minimised or alleviated. The risk assessment should ensure the placement/workshop meets legal requirements e.g., Health & Safety at Work Acts and Employer Liability Insurance. The risk assessment and work place monitoring processes must be auditable, retained by the centre to be reviewed at anytime by the IMI Awards’ external verifier.
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IMI AWARDS’ ADMINISTRATION The IMI Awards’ Approved Centre Operating Manual is the key source of information for approved centres offering IMI Awards’ qualifications. It states clearly the roles and responsibilities of centre personnel and the policies and procedures that must be in place at the centre. It includes details of: • the centre approval criteria • the administrative procedures to register learners and request certificates • health and safety requirements • the policy to ensure equal opportunities and access to fair assessment for all learners • the procedures for applying for special assessment arrangements • the Complaints and Appeals Procedure • and the IMI Awards’ customer service charter. In brief, the assessment requirements for these VRQs (as specified these guidance notes) must be met in full before a learner can be deemed to have completed the qualification. These qualifications must be internally verified (quality assured) in line with the approved centre’s strategy for internal verification (quality assurance). Records of learners’ progress and achievements must also be kept at the centre. Although centre records may take a variety of formats, they must be clear and concise and show unsuccessful assessments, as well as learner achievements. They must be made available to an IMI Awards’ external verifier during routine monitoring visits. Therefore providing a clear audit trail to show where, when and how learners have met the criteria. IMI Awards has developed a Candidate Assessment Summary document for assessors and internal verifiers (quality assurers) to complete as the learner achieves each unit. The Candidate Assessment Summary (or an approved equivalent) must be used throughout the learner’s VRQ. This document can be found in the Qualification section of IMI Awards’ website. IMI Awards’ external verifiers will sample learners’ work during routine monitoring visits to the centre and prior to certification claims being made unless the centre has direct claim status (see the IMI Awards’ operating manual). For up-to-date information, please ensure all the latest amendments are downloaded from the IMI Awards’ website at www.imiawards.org.uk.
IMI Awards Fanshaws Brickendon Hertford SG13 8PQ Tel: 01992 519038 Fax: 01992 519036 www.imiawards.org.uk
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